AT&T, Equinix Partner to Bundle Data Center Services with VPN

AT&T is partnering with Equinix (EQIX) to couple virtual private networking with data center services. The deal calls for embedding AT&T NetBond into select Equinix data centers. The hope is that it boosts customer confidence in the security and reliability of cloud computing.

The AT&T, Equinix alliance enables cloud providers (CSPs) to offer access to their services housed in Equinix data centers via AT&T NetBond. NetBond  connects customers to cloud services via private AT&T VPN networks.

AT&T Business Solutions Growth Platforms SVP Jon Summers said in a prepared statement that "business customers want rock solid network-based security."

“Virtual private networking gives them better protection against Internet threats while also delivering the reliability, agility and performance they need when accessing the cloud," he said.

"The alliance lets AT&T quickly expand its portfolio of AT&T NetBond-enabled cloud services by using our position as a cloud hub," said Pete Hayes, chief sales officer, Equinix, in a statement.

Both companies said they expect these capabilities to be available in the first half of 2014.

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